Life is a Spiritual Struggle
I like how instead of training to fight, Laycock trains for the battles he faces every day. When his students asked him if he's ever fought, he said his battle isn't against a person, but the "unjust and apathetic system that is attacking my students." I feel like he is setting a good example for his at-risk students by sharing his method. There are other healthier ways other than fighting to release negative emotion.
Admittance to a Better Life
Michael Oatman pretty much saved himself by getting into education, and soon when he is a professor he may save others through education as well. He shared that his friends were mostly dead or in jail and that would have been him if he didn't turn his life around. In the beginning of the essay he said that he entered this "new strange land" all alone which was probably scary, but sometimes it takes stepping out of your comfort zone to make a difference for yourself.
This I Believe
I believe what makes a person smart is 1. being knowledgeable and having commons sense and 2. the ability to use their knowledge to benefit the world and other people. Felicia's nona was a great example because she taught Felicia patience, endurance, and faith. Book smart isn't the only/most important kind of "smart." I personally believe that being a loving person who can benefit everyone around you is more important than being book smart.
I like how instead of training to fight, Laycock trains for the battles he faces every day. When his students asked him if he's ever fought, he said his battle isn't against a person, but the "unjust and apathetic system that is attacking my students." I feel like he is setting a good example for his at-risk students by sharing his method. There are other healthier ways other than fighting to release negative emotion.
Admittance to a Better Life
Michael Oatman pretty much saved himself by getting into education, and soon when he is a professor he may save others through education as well. He shared that his friends were mostly dead or in jail and that would have been him if he didn't turn his life around. In the beginning of the essay he said that he entered this "new strange land" all alone which was probably scary, but sometimes it takes stepping out of your comfort zone to make a difference for yourself.
This I Believe
I believe what makes a person smart is 1. being knowledgeable and having commons sense and 2. the ability to use their knowledge to benefit the world and other people. Felicia's nona was a great example because she taught Felicia patience, endurance, and faith. Book smart isn't the only/most important kind of "smart." I personally believe that being a loving person who can benefit everyone around you is more important than being book smart.